Wehrmacht (Heer) 'Infanterie' NCO's M40 Field Blouse (Feldbluse M40). The development of the M40 field blouse can be traced back to April 1933 with the introduction of the first pattern field blouses. Modifications of the M33 field blouse had evolved into the M36 Field Blouse and in 1940 into the M40 Field Blouse. This is an EM's issue tunic which has been upgraded to and NCO's rank. The high quality wool/rayon blend construction field blouse has 5 front closure buttons and the recognizable four, pleated, front pockets. I found this tunic in a private-household in Germany, the breast-eagle was removed and stored inside the breast-pocket. I've carefully replaced the breast-eagle. The collar is having original machine-sewn collar-tabs and silver NCO braid around the collar. The collar-tabs are having the basic generic grey branch colour, the different branches of service within the German army were allocated a particular identifying 'Waffenfarbe' (branch of service) color which was generally displayed on the collar tabs. An exception to this rule were the general service collar tabs (Einheitskragenspiegel) for EM/NCO personnel that did not utilize the branch of service color enabling them to be worn by personnel serving in all branches of service. Shoulder-board loops and buttons are present and the tunic is complete with a pair of slip-on shoulder-straps as intended for an 'Unteroffizier' within an Infantry Regiment. The interior of the field blouse is partially lined in grey/tan coloured cotton, there is a small bandage pocket on the lower right. The field blouse is nicely size marked (chest size 90cms) and maker marked by the company 'Marte K.G.', the tunic is 1940 (M40) dated. The tunic is only showing minimal traces of usage and is in very good condition, see photos. Great original M40 tunic in very good condition!